North Dakota Implements RBDMS 3.0 Technology

The North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) Oil and Gas Division installed RBDMS in 2002 to track oil and gas data collected during the regulatory process. RBDMS provided a robust database that was able to adapt with NDIC during the Bakken boom. Now NDIC is beginning the process of upgrading to RBDMS 3.0 which is currently being developed by California’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR). RBDMS 3.0’s modern web-based technology will make it easier for NDIC to share access to the database without having to install a desktop application on every staff computer.

As a preliminary step, NDIC released two RBDMS 3.0 eForms in mid-May for oil purchasers and transporters to submit their monthly reports. These forms are populating tables in the Division’s current RBDMS Classic database, demonstrating the flexibility of RBDMS 3.0 technology. The implementation of the two 3.0 eForms (including an Electronic Data Delivery (EDD) option) will eliminate labor intensive data entry by NDIC staff, freeing them up to do more technical reviews. “We’ve already realized wonderful gains with the RBDMS 3.0 eForm project,” said Engineering, Geology and IT Support Staff Officer Michael Ziesch. “Implementing eForm 3.0 is allowing our staff to better utilize their technical skill sets. We have some really bright people who were spending a disproportionate amount of their time on data input.”

NDIC was able to reuse some of the form sections and workflow processes that had been developed by DOGGR. By leveraging the work that was completed in California, they were able to bring the implementation costs down. This strategy will be used as plans are solidified for upgrading to the full RBDMS 3.0 web application.

GWPC completed a Needs Assessment with NDIC this spring to identify which 3.0 software requirements fit NDIC’s needs and where customization was needed. It was identified that 80% of the current RBDMS 3.0 functionality was a full or partial fit for NDIC’s needs, resulting in significant cost savings compared to building a completely new application. “RBDMS is a real collaborative effort,” said UIC & Treating Plant Manager Mark Bohrer. “We are taking advantage of what was done in California and adding functionality that can be shared with other states. We have a robust hearings and docket program and a mature pipeline program. Other states who implement RBDMS 3.0 behind us will be able to take advantage of what we’ve contributed.”

This summer NDIC will be coordinating with North Dakota stakeholders and working with GWPC to set a development schedule. In the meantime, NDIC plans to continue implementing more RBDMS 3.0 eForms.

Development support provided by the US. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and National Energy Technology Laboratory, state agencies, and the Ground Water Protection Council.